Gear Essentials and Sword Tournament Domination
The combat job trainees selected their combat and production roles, and proper training began.
"We'll conduct survival training every morning for a while."
Before diving into full combat technique training, they prioritized survival education. The male instructor spoke calmly to the participating adventurers, sharing various insights.
"First things first—the basics of basics. Let me explain equipment."
The instructor removed and displayed all his gear: mace, shield, helmet, plate armor, necklace, belt, bag, boots, and more.
"I use a mace—one of the blunt weapons—paired with a shield. Choose whatever weapon suits you, and we'll cover handling it during combat technique sessions."
He pointed to the helmet next.
"Helmets come in endless varieties. It's mostly a matter of taste, so I won't go into detail."
He moved straight to the armor.
"Pick armor based on your build, weapon type, position, and habits."
He showed off his plate armor in detail.
"I'm a shield warrior. We favor plate armor for stability over speed. It's heavy, so no quick moves, but the defense is top-notch."
He gestured to the assistant instructor's leather armor.
"Jobs needing speed suit leather best. For a balance of defense and mobility, go with chainmail or similar."
He touched his necklace.
"In this Tower World, accessories have special powers. This is the 'Necklace of Strength'—a Rare-grade item that boosts the wearer's Strength by 2."
He showed a few rings and earrings too.
"Rings, earrings, and all sorts—whatever you can get, prioritize good options."
He lifted his belt with both hands.
"Belts are crucial. Keep quick-access combat items here."
He explained his belt's features further.
"Tailor it to your weapons and tools. Mine has three throwing daggers for emergencies and a small pouch for herbs or potions."
He approached the assistant instructor and pointed to his belt.
"See how different his is? Sword sheath fixed on tight for smooth draws—no daggers or pouches, though."
Returning to his spot, he summarized.
"Swordsmen need draw-friendly setups. Axe or blunt users? Decide shield or belt mounting. Archers? Shoulder or hip quiver changes belt use. Think it through."
He naturally picked up the next item: the bag.
"Bags hold long-term essentials. Personalize like your belt."
He displayed his backpack closely. It was wide but thin.
"As a blunt-and-shield warrior, this flat pack works. Can't layer it over a shield otherwise."
He held up a crossbody bag second.
"Flat packs lack space, so I carry this too. Try types, find your fit and combo."
Finally, he lifted his boots.
"Shoes match your style too. Shield warriors like me wear sturdy military boots—heavy but protective."
Again, he pointed to the assistant's.
"No shield for him, just sword—needs more speed than us, so lighter leather. Super-agile or non-combat? Sneakers work."
The instructor eagerly covered other gear too. Once equipment was done, he explained party formation, floors 1-10 terrain, camping and exploration tactics suited to it all. Namgung Seojun absorbed the honey-sweet info intently.
Lunchtime. As usual, Namgung Seojun ate with Gisohee and Lee Guho. Mid-conversation, Instructor Sharon approached their spot.
"Seojun!"
"Yes, Instructor."
He replied businesslike, but she sat beside him, linking arms.
"Last night was really good."
"......"
Seojun stuffed food in his mouth instead of answering. Lee Guho eyed them enviously. Gisohee glared at her.
Rivals—the two often clashed over Namgung Seojun. Ignoring them, he kept eating. Lee Guho thought it impressive yet enviable.
"...."
With the women glaring, Namgung Seojun had to intervene. But taking sides? No.
Gisohee was girlfriend and trusted ally. Skills a bit lacking, but total reliability—and her archery practice showed promise.
Sharon had instructor value: experience to learn from, subtle perks and privileges.
So he addressed both.
"Both of you! Cut it out."
They switched moods instantly.
"Hohoho, cut what out?"
"Seojun-nim, nothing's wrong."
Forced smiles ended it. Sharon stayed by Namgung Seojun's side, tempting immediately.
"Meet in my room tonight too?"
"No. Training tonight."
"Training?"
Personal session planned. Super Sense plus training camp library books made it solid.
"Can't waste rest time. Gotta build strength to graduate and climb the tower."
Sharon beamed.
"What kind of training?"
He'd pointed to combat books.
"Just reading? Train with your body. Want me to help? Hands-on?"
She tapped her waist weapon.
Super Sense flagged it: prime opportunity.
'Opportunity?'
"Sure, let's try together tonight?"
Sharon cheered. Gisohee watched enviously.
Afternoon: full combat training began. Combat trainees split by field to specialists. Sword-chosen Namgung Seojun waited at the designated sword training ground.
"Survived the boring survival class okay?"
A familiar voice entered—the senior instructor Pigicheol.
Training camp's strongest, a veteran climber to floor 50. Two mid-tier traits, Unique skills, rare job—a near-elite adventurer.
Pigicheol eyed the newbies gathered for sword training, inwardly pleased.
'Most good ones from this batch are here.'
Minus magic-type inviter Lee Guho, top adventurers chose swords. In the Tower World, weapons varied—but swords were most versatile across environments: portable, multipurpose.
Yet hardest to master, so only strong-traited could pick them. Thus, these 8 were top-tier.
Pigicheol spoke in good spirits.
"Proper lessons next week. Today, quick skill check."
He made a bracket from the lined-up adventurers and started a tournament.
Per senior instructor Pigicheol's orders, No. 1 vs. No. 2 dueled first with wooden swords. Namgung Seojun was No. 7, opponent No. 8.
'Mid Vitality, low Agility... Decent traits, but that's it.'
Checking No. 8's status, he prepped casually.
"Next: 7 vs. 8!"
Their turn. They stepped up, grabbed floor bokkens.
"Begin!"
No. 8 charged sword-first. Child's play to Seojun.
'Whoosh.'
Dodge light, precise belly thrust.
'Stab!'
"Guh! Kek!!"
Leather armor or not, solar plexus hit dropped him vomiting lunch.
Pigicheol thought not bad and called,
"No. 7 wins!"
Tournament style—next, Seojun faced No. 5, victor over No. 6.
"Guh!"
One thrust down again.
'Oh? No skills?'
Senior instructor Pigicheol was impressed.
Final: finals.
"Last: 1 vs. 7."
Others focused. Pigicheol yelled "Begin!"
"Hah!"
No. 1 full-power rush, swing. Seojun dodged.
'Huh?'
No. 1's prior wins no fluke—mid-swing path shift, advanced for newbie.
Still, Domain Insight read it effortlessly.
'Whoosh.'
Feint dodged easy—gaps everywhere. Light thrust.
"Keurk!"
Bokken to waist, No. 1 crumpled.
"No. 7 wins!"
Thus, Namgung Seojun claimed tournament victory in three thrusts. Imprinting his skill on fellow sword trainees and senior instructor Pigicheol.